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Position Summary

The Associate Chief Nursing Officer (ACNO) - Behavioral Health is a key executive leader responsible for strategically advancing the safety, quality, and operational excellence of nursing and clinical practices across the behavioral health continuum. This executive leader drives system-wide standardization of nursing practices, fosters a culture of safety and therapeutic engagement, and ensures regulatory standards and patient-centered care principles are delivered, while aligning with the organization's mission and strategic goals.

The ACNO, Behavioral Health, serves as a key partner in workforce development with a keen focus on recruitment and retention efforts, focused on improving outcomes for patients, staff, and the broader behavioral health community. This role supports system-level Chief Nursing Officer, ensuring consistent implementation of best practices, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement in patient care delivery, safety, and service. ACNO drives a culture of clinical excellence, a culture of safety and engagement for employees, patient-centered care, and evidence-based practice while aligning with the organization's mission and strategic goals.

Essential Functions:

+ Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for nursing practice across all system hospitals and locations.

+ Lead the development and execution of strategies that improve quality, safety, patient experience and operational efficiency

+ Oversee the integration of evidence-based practices and regulatory compliance into daily operations

+ Oversee the implementation of evidence-based practices and trauma-informed care models.

+ Standardize nursing policies, procedures, and practice models to promote excellence in patient care and staff performance.

+ Mentors and support facility-level nursing leaders, and lead workforce planning efforts, including recruitment, retention, engagement and development strategies for nursing and clinical staff.

+ Champion the professional advancement of nurses.

+ Drive system-wide initiatives to improve quality metrics, reduce adverse events, and foster a culture of safety, engagement, and accountability.

+ Ensure consistent compliance with all federal, state, and accreditation standards, including The Joint Commission, CMS, Massachusetts’ Department of Mental Health, and behavioral health-specific regulations.

+ Utilize data and analytics to monitor quality and clinical performance, identify improvement opportunities, and drive accountability.

+ Lead transformational initiatives to modernize behavioral healthcare delivery, nursing innovation and technology adoption.

+ Collaborate closely with executive leadership, medical staff, and other clinical departments to align nursing and quality goals with organizational priorities.

+ Involved in strategic planning and budgeting for nursing across facilities.

Education:

+ Master's degree in nursing (MSN) required, DNP preferred.

+ License/Certification: Current, active, unencumbered RN license required.

+ Certification in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (e.g., PMH-B), Nurse Executive NE-BC, NEA-BC, or CENP) or equivalent leadership/clinical credentials are strongly preferred.

Experience:

+ Minimum of 7 years of progressive nursing leadership experience, with at least 3 years in a behavioral health position in a senior or corporate-level role.

+ Minimum of 4 years' extensive leadership experience in behavioral health or psychiatric nursing in-patient settings.

+ Demonstrated success in leading quality, safety, and workforce initiatives in a multi-system or system-level environment.

+ Managed Care experience preferred.

+ Union experience is strongly preferred.